Our Summary

This study looked at how the flexibility of the spine before surgery for early onset scoliosis (EOS) - a condition where the spine curves at a young age - affects the results of the surgery. The researchers looked at data from a large, international database of EOS patients who had images taken of their spine’s flexibility before surgery. They also looked at how much the spine was straightened during surgery and any complications that happened after surgery.

The study found that, on average, the patients’ spines were curved by 77 degrees before surgery, and this was reduced to 46 degrees after surgery. The degree of flexibility in the spine before surgery didn’t differ much between different causes of EOS. However, the type of surgical device used did affect the degree of straightening achieved during surgery.

Interestingly, the researchers found a fair correlation between the flexibility of the spine before surgery and how much it was straightened during surgery. This correlation was seen in patients with idiopathic (unknown cause) and neuromuscular EOS, but not in those with congenital (birth defect) or syndromic (part of a syndrome) EOS.

Finally, the researchers found that patients with less flexible spines before surgery were three times more likely to have complications after surgery. This suggests that the flexibility of the spine should be considered when deciding the timing of surgery for EOS.

FAQs

  1. How does the flexibility of the spine before surgery affect the results of early onset scoliosis (EOS) surgery?
  2. Does the type of surgical device used in the operation affect the degree of straightening achieved during surgery?
  3. Are patients with less flexible spines more likely to have complications after EOS surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about scoliosis surgery is to maintain good posture and participate in physical therapy both before and after surgery to help improve flexibility and strength in the spine. This can help optimize the results of the surgery and reduce the risk of complications. It’s also important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by the surgical team to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended scoliosis surgery are those with severe curvature of the spine that is causing pain, difficulty breathing, or impacting their quality of life. Patients with early onset scoliosis, especially those with less flexible spines, may also be recommended surgery to prevent further progression of the curvature and potential complications. Additionally, patients with progressive scoliosis that has not responded to non-surgical treatments may also be candidates for surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with a spine specialist to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment for their scoliosis.

Timeline

In summary, before scoliosis surgery, a patient typically undergoes imaging tests to determine the severity of the curvature of the spine and its flexibility. The patient may also undergo physical therapy or other treatments to prepare for surgery.

After surgery, the patient will typically spend several days in the hospital for recovery and monitoring. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be recommended to help the patient regain strength and mobility in the spine. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure proper alignment of the spine.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after scoliosis surgery involves pre-operative preparation, the surgery itself, post-operative recovery, and ongoing monitoring and rehabilitation to ensure the best possible outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about scoliosis surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scoliosis surgery?
  2. How will the flexibility of my spine before surgery affect the outcome of the surgery?
  3. What type of surgical device will be used and how will it impact the degree of straightening achieved during surgery?
  4. How much will my spine be straightened during the surgery?
  5. How will the timing of surgery be determined based on the flexibility of my spine?
  6. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options for scoliosis that I should consider?
  8. How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after surgery?
  9. What are the long-term outcomes and potential limitations of scoliosis surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with information about the surgeon’s experience and success rate with scoliosis surgeries?

Reference

Authors: Bowker R, Morash K, Mishreky A, Yaszay B, Andras L, Sturm P, Sponseller PD, Thompson GH; Pediatric Spine Study Group; El-Hawary R. Journal: Spine Deform. 2022 Jul;10(4):933-941. doi: 10.1007/s43390-022-00481-0. Epub 2022 Feb 11. PMID: 35147914